Chemistry

The rationale for AQA A-Level Chemistry is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry.

This includes the study of atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and organic chemistry.

Click HERE to watch a film about Chemistry at Harris Rainham Sixth Form.

The aims of the Chemistry Key Stage 5 curriculum are to help students:

• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
• Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
• Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
• Develop curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
• Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society

To further reinforce key concepts, the course splits physical and organic chemistry topics into smaller modules. This allows students to focus on specific areas of physical and organic chemistry in greater detail, and revisit key topics more frequently throughout the course.

By breaking down these topics into smaller modules, students are able to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and apply them to a wider range of problems. This approach also helps to prepare students for university-level study in chemistry or related fields, where a more detailed understanding of physical and organic chemistry is often required.

Students will also be taught essential knowledge, methods, and processes to gain a greater understanding of the skills associated with experimental design, practical methods and data analysis. This will be taught through 12 key practical experiments where students will develop their manipulative skills and understanding of the processes of scientific investigation. Mathematical and statistical skills will be taught alongside both the core and procedural knowledge, supporting students in their competence and confidence of these skills as they are revisited and applied overtime.

Ultimately, our aim is to cultivate academic scholars who have a genuine appreciation of powerful knowledge and are innately curious about Chemistry, extending far beyond the bounds of our A-Level specification.